Community Player of the Week: Harvey Dahl

The St. Louis Rams Community Player of the Week presented by Ameren Missouri is guard Harvey Dahl. Ameren Missouri also recognizes Sam B. as the Powering Change Customer of the Week.

For all the changes the Rams have experienced on the field – be it injuries or personnel changes – Dahl has been the one constant in the lineup game in and game out. Last season, his first with the Rams, Dahl started all 16 games. It is a streak he has carried into this season, answering the call for all six of the team’s games so far. In a year in which the Rams’ offensive line has been hit by the injury bug, Dahl has provided a consistent presence on a makeshift offensive line that has done an admirable job of protecting quarterback Sam Bradford and opening holes for running back Steven Jackson.

As welcoming as Dahl’s presence is for the Rams, it is that much of a nuisance to opponents. Dahl plays with a competitive edge that gets under the skin of opponents, to say the least. It is this competitive edge that has endeared him to teammates. But off the field, Dahl has endeared himself to the community through other methods.

During the offseason, Dahl took part in Rams ReciPEs, a program in conjunction with PLAY 60 that aims to expose youth to healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging environment to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Dahl’s role in the program was two-fold. His first responsibility was to impart upon the kids important tips for eating healthy and living healthy lifestyles. He then helped them make nutritional snacks. Together, Dahl and the kids made rice cake faces, yogurt parfaits, trail mix and fruit kabobs that were enjoyed by all. But his time with the chef’s apron was not yet over.

Last month, Dahl joined seven of his teammates in leading a group of seven United Way-funded Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs during this season’s Hometown Huddle. At the event, Dahl took part in a modified version of Rams ReciPEs, and helped kids make their own vegetable dip. Group after group made their way to Dahl’s station where he explained to them the importance of making healthy choices. Then it was time to enjoy the spoils, as the kids dunked various vegetables into the dip they worked hard to make.

In addition to his lending his culinary expertise to youth, Dahl supports active military men and women through the team’s ticket donation program. He and safety Craig Dahl have teamed up again this year to form “The Dahlminators.” For each Rams home game, Dahl and Dahl purchase 30 tickets for active military members. A recent recipient of four tickets through the donation program expressed his gratitude to Harvey and Craig. After experiencing his first Rams home game during the October 4 contest versus the Arizona Cardinals, the military member had this to say:

“I have combat deployed several times to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have participated in Missouri State Emergency Duty, and devoted a lot of my life to service to the United States. Due to the generosity of (Harvey and Craig Dahl), I felt it was all worth it this past Thursday. You have put a smile on a weary soldier’s face.”

The military member speaks for many in expressing his thanks to Harvey Dahl and the rest of the Rams organization. Through his actions and efforts off the field, Dahl has worked hard to enhance the lives of many – whether they are kids or soldiers in need of a lift.

“Probably the only thing that matches Harvey’s physical size and competitive nature on the field is the size of his heart and commitment to the community,” says Molly Higgins, St. Louis Rams’ vice president of corporate communications and civic affairs. “Harvey is a leader among his teammates, and anyone he comes in contact with him recognizes his sincerity. Through his work with active military members and youth, Harvey continues to make a positive impact throughout St. Louis.”

About the Rams Community Player of the Week presented by Ameren Missouri

Each week during the 2012 season, the St. Louis Rams, along with team sponsor Ameren Missouri, will select a player who has made a positive impact on the Greater St. Louis community, giving of himself off the field. Each honored Rams Community Player of the Week will receive a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Official Steak House of the St. Louis Rams.

Tell us how you power positive change in the community for the chance to win Rams tickets and official merchandise, by going to www.Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.